God testifies about Himself by His works of common grace in the whole world and special grace among believers.
1. God testifies about Himself in "common grace." 1.a. All the good that He does to all His creatures (creation and providence) 1.b. Rain from heaven, fruitful seasons 1.c. Physical neediness and fulfillment 1.d. Spiritual neediness and fulfillment 2. God testifies about Himself in "special grace" of conversion 2.a. God doesn't owe anyone (v16) to turn us from useless things (v15). The preaching of repentance is a great mercy from God. 2.b. The giving of faith is a great mercy from God (cf. 13:48) 2.c. Signs like in v8β10 affirmed the preaching and the faith (cf. 14:3; 2:43; 2Cor 12:11β12; Heb 2:3β4). This was also true in Jesus's own ministry (cf. Mt 9:2β8; Mk 2:5β12; Lk 5:20β26; cp. Mt 13:57β58, Mk 6:4β6) 3. God testifies to this "special grace" especially in sanctification 3.a. 13:52 more likely referring to fruit of the Spirit than signs of an apostle 3.b. vv19β20 are also "signs of an apostle" in the marvelous sanctification of Paul! (cf. 1Cor 4:9β16; 2Cor 12:12 vs 12:9β10)
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Pastor Hakim's family on his father's side was converted from nominal Coptic Orthodoxy to Reformed Presbyterianism, early in the 20th century. He is a third generation Presbyterian elder who grew up in Michigan but emigrated to the South to attend seminary at RTS-Jackson. After...
